2019 e start.

[Whisky]

Hi, my starter is just locking up by the sound of it and a horrible whining noise comes from the starter area. The motor is also getting really hot,I guess it would if it?s jamming up! I?ve noticed the bendix cap is worn where the small pinion shaft end locates, I?m hoping that it?s jamming on the bendix and locking up. I?ve ordered a new cap from AS3 performance, and I?m hoping it will resolve the issue

My question is, when the bendix is fitted into the ignition cap, it looks as if it?s in mesh constantly with the ring gear on the flywheel. Can someone explain how the bendix works if it?s constantly in mesh?

Many thanks

[Gez]

It only meshes with the flywheel gear when the button is pushed. Centrifugal forces expands the bendix causing it to engage the flywheel.
The new cover should help, if you remove the starter does the gear inside the ignition case spin easily? If so, the starter may be weak. Check out the starter problems thread for good diagnostic tests to move forward with.

[Whisky]

Yeah the gears spin freely. The starter seems ok too. I?ll just hope the new cap works. Thanks for your explanation.👍😃

[Gez]

No worries, I managed to fool proof mine by adding a second 12v battery making it a 24v starter system. A few people on here have done it too and it's well worth it IMO.